Nathaniel Hawthorne was the definitive literary figure throughout the 19th century. He was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts where he developed Puritan values through his experiences and family. His work is still celebrated by a myriad of authors and readers across the world and is regarded as America’s most eminent writers. His short stories such as Rappaccini’s Daughter and My Kinsman, Major Molineux and four novels – The Scarlet Letter, The Blithedale Romance, The Marble Faun, and The House of the Seven Gables reflect Hawthorne’s emotions and American values during the 1800s. Hawthorne is notable for mastering a multitude of themes and techniques such as alienation, initiation, Puritan government, Italian background, good versus evil, self-determination, psychoanalysis, moral slant, ironic view, and symbolism. …show more content…
Hawthorne’s strong Puritan values and background inspired him to describe Puritan society throughout his work; his works concord to the foundations, limits, and potential of American Democracy.
Moreover, they reiterate his views of liberal government and how it affects the relationship between the public and the individual. Hawthorne hints that self-determinism can’t promote harmonious society. Democracy can’t depend on conflicting interests but requires a foundation based on explanation of human nature. Despite his political ideas in his novels, his works aren’t really political because they’re just telling stories. Furthermore, he doesn’t dive deeply into the politics of his works; rather, he extrapolates the effects of the political content. He doesn’t give a full analysis of Puritan establishments because he’s interested in what makes up that establishment. In other words, he seeks to understand the inclinations of human actions rather than the actions themselves (Zuckert
166). In the Scarlet Letter, he describes the inability of the Puritans to create a virtuous government through organized laws (Zuckert 163). He ponders about the relation between Puritan life and life later in the American Republic. According to Hawthorne, dignity and pride of the people in Salem have diminished. The Puritans persecuted items and ideas that modern society now embraces. Hawthorne doesn’t criticize Puritans for punishing law breakers and criminals, but rather criticizes them for the degree of punishment they inflict. The motives of the Puritans are aimed at purifying the whole body. Hawthorne also points out the dangers of implementing religion into the government, since it forces public life upon an individual. He therefore criticizes the destruction of privacy caused by institutions (Zuckert 166-167). Continuing with the Scarlet Letter, Puritan philosophy manipulates a person’s well-being because it makes him serious, unsympathetic, indifferent, and heartless. This leads to the severity of the punishment being designed to intimidate people from appearing in public. The institutions produce pride they are designed to dissolve. If people are easily tempted, they might be more sympathetic towards those who give in to the demands of the government. Because people resist such temptations, they are cold, self-righteous, and superior (Zuckert 167). Hypocrisy destroys self-knowledge that man cannot differentiate between their careers and faith. Although people can differentiate the public from the private, they can’t figure out how to enforce the private. Puritan practices originate from original sin, but are denied by the statement that Puritan regime purifies men (Zuckert 168). Hawthorne’s romantic novel The Blithedale Romance concerns the demise of an egalitarian organization based on the thought that humans can abolish oppression by returning to nature (Zuckert 163). The Blithedale Romance depicts a future where mankind will love one another freely. The Emigrants to Blithedale see themselves replicating their ancestors in a sense that they’re promoting a better life by creating a new community to rid the corruptions of previous societies. The citizens of Blithedale view pride as a major source for a person’s downfall, so they try to resolve it with love and compassion (Zuckert 170). The citizens of Blithedale share the same concept as that of Fourier’s “Harmony,” which states that people will live peacefully if they adhere to their true passions limited by social obstacles. They promise to live as brothers and sisters, but they’re unsure of the duty of women; they haven’t taken in account the differences between genders and how that difference will disrupt social equilibrium. For example, Zenobia states that human affectation is different within every person. The emigrants to Blithedale settled in for spite of their formers society rather than for new relationships. Although Nathaniel Hawthorne frequently discussed Puritan society and values in his work, he was heavily influenced by his experiences in Italy. Hawthorne’s novel The Marble Faun shows his emotional feelings about Italy where he became deeply attached to it. Unlike his other works which focus on plot and character development, the setting of The Marble Faun takes greater importance of the setting over premise. After his 18 month stay in Italy, he adored the environment and culture to the point where he became attached to Italy and dreamed of moving there. The journal that Hawthorne brought to Italy not only shows his descriptions of various landmarks and places, but also reveals his mind and feelings. Moreover, the journal is a psychological analysis of Hawthorne during his stay in Italy. From a literary view, the journal is important as a rough draft because it represents a narrative version of the story (Huzzard 119). Furthermore, the purpose of The Marble Faun was to emulate Hawthorne’s impressions and emotions about Italy. Huzzard states that the novel presents a more specific vision of Italy compared to the journal (Huzzard 120). Hawthorne didn’t use the characters to replicate the conflict between American and European culture. For example, Hilda and Kenyon are oblivious to their surroundings. Also, Donatello and Miriam, the only Italians Hilda and Kenyon meet, don’t have connections to their home town. This shows the contrast between the characters’ ways of life, and that each of them is concerned with his or her destinies. Hawthorne interrupts the plot periodically to reiterate qualities of Italian life in which he initially objected ideas such as nudity in art and worship during Sundays (Huzzard 121). In many of his works especially My Kinsman, Major Molineux, Nathaniel Hawthorne implemented the theme of initiation, which is “the formal admission or acceptance into an organization or club, adult status in one's community or society, etc.” (dictionary.com). The short story My Kinsman, Major Molineux is a prime example of initiation because it shows the colonists’ stand against British dominance. Robin Molineux is seeking his kinsman who promised to help him prepare for adulthood. Hawthorne utilizes a double meaning here; the drive for the Major’s disgrace inflates rapidly according to Robin’s consciousness. Because Robin is starting a new journey, he is depicted as “a shrewd youth.” Hawthorne makes a contrast between Robin and Captain Amasa Delano from Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno. While Robin is on a quest to Nirvana, Delano is trapped in a scenario where he’s stationary because he’s content with himself (Martin 103-104). Robin’s methods of asserting himself are ineffective because he’s dependent on the Major to guide him throughout the new village. However, if the major came out to be a laughing stock, the oak club was useless. Robin, who is tired and weary, exits the bar and forcefully wants guidance from the first person he encounters. Meeting with the woman temporarily discards the looks of aggression. But shortly after, he revives this aggression upon a bystander whose face is painted half read and black and beats him with the oak club (Martin 104). Hawthorne used a multitude of literary techniques in his novels such as Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, which is the process of examining the behaviors of the unconscious mind. The Scarlet Letter is seen as a psychological force. During Dimmesdale’s unfortunate encounter with Chillingworth, Hawthorne implements the Freudian technique of psychoanalysis. Hawthorne was also an explorer of the interior self, and his ambivalence provided opposing symbols such as the forest and the haunt of the devil (Mellow 168). Hawthorne used the technique of allusion greatly in his literature. In his short story Rappacccini’s daughter, he references Dante and Adam and Eve when he brings up the garden embellished with flora and decorations. The structure of Rappaccini’s Daughter consists of two stories; one story is narrated as a result of the dimensions of another. In that case, Beatrice’s tale is expressed by Giovanni. The story of these two people is reflected by the conflict between Bagliani and Rappaccini, and the reader must relate to both sides in order to stay consistent with the story (Martin 93-94). Giovanni states that his relative “had been pictured by Dante as partaker of the immortal agonies of his inferno.” This reference is not just for entertainment, but rather describe the contrast between Dante’s and Rappaccini’s daughters, whom are both named Beatrice. Dante’s daughter is the source for grace, and he couldn’t have started his pilgrimage if it weren’t for his epiphany in heaven. Therefore, she is an instrument of redemption. On the other hand, Rappaccini’s daughter is imprisoned and needs a special kind of redemption (Martin 94).
Lathrop, G. P., ed. "Hawthorne, Nathaniel." The Reader's Encyclopedia of American Literature. Binghamton, New York: Vail-Ballou, 1962. 439-40. Print.
Fifteen years separate Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “Young Goodman Brown.” The two share an eerie connection because of the trepidation the two protagonists endure throughout the story. The style of writing between the two is not similar because of the different literary elements they choose to exploit. Irving’s “Sleepy Hollow” chronicles Ichabod Crane’s failed courtship of Katrina Van Tassel as well as his obsession over the legend of the Headless Horseman. Hawthorne’s story follows the spiritual journey of the protagonist, Young Goodman Brown, through the woods of Puritan New England where he looses his religious faith. However, Hawthorne’s work with “Young Goodman Brown” is of higher quality than Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” because Hawthorne succeeds in exploiting symbols, developing characters, and incorporating worthwhile themes.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was one of the first American writers to pioneer the unprecedented and unforeseen gothic genre which resulted in the exposure of darker themes across America in the 19th century. This new genre sprouted the “brooding” romantics who revolved around the human’s capacity for evil as a main theme of their works. Being one of the “brooding” romantics, Hawthorne followed the Puritans’ belief that everyone is a sinner as a result of being a descendent of the Puritans associated with the infamous Salem witchcraft trials. Not only was he related to the despicable Puritans, but also, he had to live with the guilt that his dishonorable great-great grandfather, Judge Hathorne, was “the only one who refused to apologize for his role
“Nathaniel Hawthorne – Biography.” The European Graduate School. The European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2014
Waggoner, Hyatt H. “Nathaniel Hawthorne.” In Six American Novelists of the Nineteenth Century, edited by Richard Foster. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1968.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an extraordinary writer, who used real life experiences in every one of his stories. However, growing up in a Puritan society during a reformation gave Hawthorne a distorted view on God’s character. Hawthorne was intelligent, but by no means a people person, which created a pathway for him to become an author. There were a few key points in his life growing in a religion zealous society that lead him to abandon his faith. Hence, the short story of “Young Goodman Brown” representing that humans are cynical and evil, and the dangers of losing your faith in God.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's works are notable for their treatment of guilt and the complexities of moral choices. "Moral and religious concerns, in short, are almost always present in Hawthorne's work"(Foster, 56). Given Hawthorne's background, it is not a stretch of the imagination to say that his novels are critiques of Puritanism. Hawthorne lived in the deeply scarred New England area, separated from Puritanism by only one generation. His grandfather had been one of the judges in the Salem Witch Trials. Personal issues include the various ways Hawthorne's family and specific events in his life influenced his writing. Readers can easily recognize how "Young Goodman Brown" incorporates facts about his Puritan ancestors. Father Hooper in "The Minister's Black Veil" may be symbolically paralleled to Hawthorne's ancestors, trying to hide a sin they have committed. His descendants' remarks on him in The Custom House introduction to The Scarlet Letter mix pride in Hawthorne's prominence and a sense of inherited guilt for his deeds as judge. Hawthorne's guilt of wrongs committed by his ancestors was paramount in the development of his literary career. He investigates human weaknesses through the time period of his ancestors. Generally Hawthorne's writings contained powerful symbolic and psychological effects of pride, guilt, sin and punishment.
Nathaniel Hawthorne is a well known 19th century author. One reason he is well known is his view towards Puritanism. Hawthorne would often criticize Puritanism in his short stories and novels. Two short stories that show Hawthorne’s view of Puritanism are “Young Goodman Brown” and “The ministers black veil”.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of America's most renowned authors, demonstrates his extraordinary talents in two of his most famed novels, The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. To compare these two books seems bizarre, as their plots are distinctly different. Though the books are quite seemingly different, the central themes and Hawthorne's style are closely related (Carey, p. 62). American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne is most famous for his books THE SCARLET LETTER and THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES, which are closely related in theme, the use of symbolism, characterization, and style.
The greatest influence on all of Hawthorne's literature is the cultural and religious impact of Puritanism, a religious movement with a long history. During the 16th century, the Anglican Church was formed separate from Catholicism. Many English citizens at the time felt that this was a significantly drastic change. However, the religion still behaved similarly to Catholicism, much to the chagrin of the English protestants. The Church "retained much of the liturgy and ritual of Roman Catholicism and seemed, to many dissenters, to be insufficiently reformed" ("Puritanism" par. 1). After the formation of the Church of England, those Protestants who did not convert were prosecuted by the rest of the public, and the government. One such group was the Puritans, an extremely Protestant group who emphasized strong and literal adherent to the bible and its teachings. Because of their obsession with exact adherence and interpretation, many were derogatorily referred t...
Nathaniel Hawthorne's knowledge of Puritanism and his close relationship with the religion has impacted his views on those in the society. Hawthorne is critical of the Puritans and he thinks that they are hypocrites for having rules and morals that they do not follow. He sees the underlying sin that others may not. Through his many writings he makes known to his readers that everyone is guilty of sin. The Puritan's main goal was to save themselves from the sin in the world, but Nathaniel Hawthorne portrays their morals and society as troublesome through his works, "Young Goodman Brown," "The Minister's Black Veil," and The Scarlet Letter.
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, there are many moral and social themes develped throughout the novel. Each theme is very important to the overall effect of the novel. In essence, The Scarlet Letter is a story of sin, punishment and the importance of truth. One theme which plays a big role in The Scarlet Letter is that of sin and its effects. Throughout the novel there were many sins committed by various characters. The effects of these sins are different in each character and every character was punished in a unique way. Two characters were perfect examples of this theme in the novel. Hester Prynne and The Reverend Dimmesdale best demonstrated the theme of the effects of sin.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," says the Declaration of Independence. This phrase encompasses three major values shown throughout early American literature. The strong belief in religion, freedom, and a strong will for a better life. Each piece had one or more of these themes within them.
“Nathaniel Hawthorne.” Novels and Novelists : A Guide to the World of Fiction. Ed. Martin Seymour-Smith.
In 1804 a great Gothic-romance writer by the name of Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts and was determined to make the 18th Century aware of the deep and dark desires that are present in every person’s mind. Hawthorne himself once quoted that “easy reading is damn hard writing.”(Hawthorne, 1849) but through frustration and angst Hawthorne created a selection of metaphysical poetry and a few longer works, one of which being the infamous “The Scarlett Letter”. Hawthorne’s style of writing shaped the genre of romance and short story as the originality of his writing was a reincarnation of his own personal values and beliefs (Litz, 1998). Essentially, Hawthorne chose to focus primarily on themes revolving around the nature of man involving psychological or metaphysical elements. In the texts “The Ocean”, “Go to the Grave” and “The Scarlett Letter” Nathaniel Hawthorne conveys central themes and ideas through the character’s internal struggle, the concept of neutrality and religious symbolism.